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Oscar Okhifo
Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has revealed that poverty and the absence of financial support forced him to abandon his education, even as he announced his return to school.
Speaking during a recent podcast interview, the “Zazuu Zeh” crooner recounted his difficult upbringing, saying he hawked sachet water while attending school because he had no sponsor to support his education.
Portable said the harsh realities of his childhood prevented him from completing his studies but stressed that he is determined to earn a tertiary qualification despite his success in the music industry.
Recalling his journey, the singer disclosed that he is now a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, describing the development as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition to return to the classroom and complete his education.
“I no finish school. The time wey I dey go school, I sell pure water. I no see anybody to sponsor me. I will still finish school. I be student of Kwara Poly. My papa send my brothers and sisters go school, na me be olodo, but now, na me dey feed all of them.”
Portable said that although his father ensured his brothers and sisters received formal education, he struggled academically and was unable to complete his own schooling, describing himself as the “olodo” in the family.
He, however, said circumstances have changed dramatically, noting that he now provides for the same siblings who had the opportunity to complete their education, a development he attributed to his success in the music carrier.
The singer’s revelation has since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians praising his resilience, humility and decision to return to the classroom.
Many described the move as inspiring, saying it underscores the belief that education remains valuable regardless of one’s level of success.
His announcement has also reignited conversations about the challenge of combining celebrity status with the demands of higher education.
Observers say balancing a thriving entertainment career with academic commitments will require discipline, effective time management and sustained dedication.
The conversation has drawn comparisons with the experience of popular TikTok creator, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, who previously announced that he had secured admission to study Law at some private university, but later disclosed that he would not proceed with the programme.
Peller explained that pursuing full-time university education would significantly reduce the time he devoted to livestreaming on TikTok, his primary source of income.
He also said a request seeking permission to stream live while attending lectures was not approved by the institution.
While some Nigerians criticised his decision, others defended him, arguing that he had simply prioritised his career at a stage when it was financially rewarding.
The debate also revived references to veteran musician Sir Shina Peters’ famous song title, “Grammar No Be Money, Grammar No Be Success,” which many cited to support the argument that formal education is not the only route to success.
Whether Portable will successfully combine his flourishing music career with the rigours of tertiary education remains to be seen.
For many observers, however, his decision to return to school reflects a determination to complete a journey that poverty once interrupted and reinforces the message that it is never too late to pursue education.
